Polyaniline Composites Containing Eco-Friendly Biomass Carbon from Agricultural-Waste Coconut Husk for Enhancing Gas Sensor Performance in Hydrogen Sulfide Detection.

Hydrogen sulfide, a colorless, flammable gas with a distinct rotten egg odor, poses severe health risks in industrial settings. Sensing hydrogen sulfide is crucial for safeguarding worker safety and preventing potential accidents. This study investigated the gas-sensing performance of an electroactive polymer (i.e., polyaniline, PANI) and its composites with active carbon (AC) (i.e., PANI-AC1 and PANI-AC3) toward H2S at room temperature. PANI-AC composites-coated IDE gas sensors were fabricated and their capability of detecting H2S at concentrations ranging from 1 ppm to 30 ppm was tested. The superior gas-sensing performance of the PANI-AC composites can be attributed to the increased surface area of the materials, which provided increased active sites for doping processes and enhanced the sensing capability of the composites. Specifically, the incorporation of AC in the PANI matrix resulted in a substantial improvement in the doping process, which led to stronger gas-sensing responses with higher repeatability and higher stability toward H2S compared to the neat PANI-coated IDE sensor. Furthermore, the as-prepared IDE gas sensor exhibited the best sensing response toward H2S at 60% RH. The use of agricultural-waste coconut husk for the synthesis of these high-performance gas-sensing materials promotes sustainable and eco-friendly practices while improving the detection and monitoring of H2S gas in industrial settings.

S-Allylcysteine Potently Protects against PhIP-Induced DNA Damage via Nrf2/AhR Signaling Pathway Modulation in Normal Human Colonic Mucosal Epithelial Cells.

SCOPE: This study aims to investigate whether S-allylcysteine (SAC) exerts chemoprophylactic effects on foodborne carcinogenicity caused by 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) in normal human colonic mucosal epithelial cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cellular thermal shift assays show that SAC has an affinity for the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) protein. Moreover, SAC may also dampen the binding of Keap1 and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by inhibiting p-p38 and increasing the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (AKT), thereby inducing Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling and upregulating the ratio of glutathione (GSH) to GSH/GSSG (oxidized glutathione), which inhibits PhIP-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage. In addition, SAC significantly downregulates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway, suggesting that SAC may potentially impede the metabolic transformation of carcinogens. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these findings suggest that SAC protects against PhIP-induced reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage by modulating the Nrf2/AhR signaling pathway, which may have significant potential as a novel chemopreventive agent.

Extracts of Antrodia cinnamomea mycelium as a highly potent tyrosinase inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: Ganoderma has been known as a cure for diseases since ancient times, and been used as a medicinal mushroom for more than 2000 years. By many accounts, Ganoderma lucidum extracts from fruit bodies exhibited the comparable tyrosinase inhibition activity. AIMS: To validate A. cinnamomea mycelia anti-melanogenesis activity. Ethanolic extracts of A. cinnamomea mycelia were evaluated using in vitro cell-free tyrosinase assay, cell-based and zebrafish phenotype-based method. Meanwhile, safety assessment was also conducted to ensure the feasibility as the novel ingredients in cosmetic and pharmaceutic industries. METHODS: The major regulatory enzymes being in charge of cutaneous pigmentation, was investigated in both cell-free and cellular enzyme systems, and in phenotype-based zebrafish model. A high-throughput TLC in vitro screening system was introduced to perform the initial evaluation of those with anti-melanin formation activity. RESULTS: Among the fractions, 50% ethanol extracted fraction (AC_Et50_Hex) exhibited highest anti-melanin formation activity. AC_Et50_Hex (at 100 ppm) reduced 30% intracellular melanin of B16-F10 cells through suppression of tyrosinase activity and its protein expression. For animal study, not only does AC_Et50_Hex exhibited similar depigmenting efficacy to kojic acid (56.1% vs 52.3%) with lower dosage (50 ppm vs 1400 ppm), but showed less toxicity to zebrafish. CONCLUSION: A. cinnamomea mycelium extracts can be an ideal candidate/substitute for skin-whitening since kojic acid has been reported with carcinogenic effect. AC_Et50_Hex was recognized as a potential tyrosinase inhibitor throughout in vitro and in vivo analysis studies. The mass production of A. cinnamomea mycelium from agitated fermentation realizes the natural mushroom extracts for commercial application.

Complex Tannins Isolated from Jelly Fig Achenes Affect Pectin Gelation through Non-Specific Inhibitory Effect on Pectin Methylesterase.

Jelly fig (Ficus awkeotsang Makino) is used to prepare drinks and desserts in Asia, owing to the gelling capability of its pectin via endogenous pectin methylesterase (PE) catalyzation. Meanwhile, substances with PE inhibitory activity (SPEI) in jelly fig achenes (JFA) residue were noticed to be able to impede the gelation. In this study, we characterized and isolated SPEI from JFA by a series of PE inhibition-guided isolations. Crude aqueous extract of JFA residue was mixed with acetone, and 90% acetone-soluble matter was further fractionated by Diaion HP-20 chromatography. The retained fraction with dominant PE inhibitory activity was collected from 100% methanol eluate. Results from high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) and hydrolysis-induced chromogenic transition revealed the SPEI as complex tannins. Total tannins content was determined in each isolated fraction, and was closely related to PE inhibitory activity. In addition, SPEI in this study could inhibit activities of digestive enzymes in vitro and may, therefore, be assumed to act as non-specific protein binding agent.

Anti-Melanogenic Effect from Submerged Mycelial Cultures of Ganoderma weberianum.

Compounds from Lingzhi has been demonstrated the ability for inhibiting tyrosinase (a key enzyme in melanogenesis) activity. In this study, we investigated the anti-melanogenic activity from the submerged mycelial culture of Ganoderma weberianum and elucidated the skin lightening mechanism by B16-F10 murine melanoma cells. From the cellular context, several fractionated mycelium samples exhibited anti-melanogenic activity by reducing more than 40% extracellular melanin content of B16-F10 melanoma cells. In particular, the fractionated chloroform extract (CF-F3) inhibited both secreted and intracellular melanin with the lowest dosage (25 ppm). Further analysis demonstrated that CF-F3 inhibited cellular tyrosinase activity without altering its protein expression. Taken together, our study has demonstrated that the chemical extracts from submerged mycelial culture of G. weberianum have the potential to serve as an alternative anti-melanogenic agent.

Isolation and identification of aroma producing strain with esterification capacity from yellow water.

Kaoliang is a refreshing fragranced type of Chinese spirits with slight apple fragrance that comes from ethyl acetate (EA). Special aromas are produced by esterification microorganisms, which affect the taste and quality of the wine. In this study, new yeast strains were isolated from yellow water, a by-product during fermentation process. Meanwhile, the optimal culture condition was determined for its growth and EA production. Three new strains, Kazachstaniaexigua, Candida humilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were identified from yellow water. Among these strains, S. cerevisiae S5 was the new and dominant strain. Results from response surface methodology showed that S. cerevisiae S5 produced 161.88 ppm of EA, in the medium with 4.91% yeast extract, 9.82% peptone, and 20.91% glucose after 96 hours of cultivation at 27.53°C. GC analysis showed that aroma compounds, such as EA, isoamyl acetate and 2-phenylethanol increased from the sample of optimal condition when compared to the one from initial fermentation condition.

Cloning and expression of the lectin gene from the mushroom Agrocybe aegerita and the activities of recombinant lectin in the resistance of shrimp white spot syndrome virus infection.

Lectin is a protein with multiple functions. In this study, the full-length cDNA of the Agrocybe aegerita lectin (AAL) gene was cloned, recombinant AAL (AAL-His) was expressed, and the activities of AAL-His were analyzed. Northern blot analysis showed that the major AAL transcript is approximately 900 bp. Sequence analysis showed that the coding region of AAL is 489 bp with a transcription start site located 39 nucleotides upstream of the translation initiation codon. In an agglutination test, AAL-His agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes at 12.5 µg/ml. AAL-His also showed antiviral activity in protecting shrimp from white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection. This anti-WSSV effect might be due to the binding of AAL-His on WSSV virions via the direct interactions with four WSSV structural proteins, VP39B, VP41B, VP53A and VP216. AAL demonstrates the potential for development as an anti-WSSV agent for shrimp culture. It also implies that these four AAL interaction WSSV proteins may play important roles in virus infection.

Anti-Melanogenic Effect from Submerged Mycelial Cultures of Ganoderma weberianum

Compounds from Lingzhi has been demonstrated the ability for inhibiting tyrosinase (a key enzyme in melanogenesis) activity. In this study, we investigated the anti-melanogenic activity from the submerged mycelial culture of Ganoderma weberianum and elucidated the skin lightening mechanism by B16-F10 murine melanoma cells. From the cellular context, several fractionated mycelium samples exhibited anti-melanogenic activity by reducing more than 40% extracellular melanin content of B16-F10 melanoma cells. In particular, the fractionated chloroform extract (CF-F3) inhibited both secreted and intracellular melanin with the lowest dosage (25 ppm). Further analysis demonstrated that CF-F3 inhibited cellular tyrosinase activity without altering its protein expression. Taken together, our study has demonstrated that the chemical extracts from submerged mycelial culture of G. weberianum have the potential to serve as an alternative anti-melanogenic agent.

Optimal conditions for cordycepin production in surface liquid-cultured Cordyceps militaris treated with porcine liver extracts for suppression of oral cancer.

Cordycepin is one of the most crucial bioactive compounds produced by Cordyceps militaris and has exhibited antitumor activity in various cancers. However, industrial production of large amounts of cordycepin is difficult. The porcine liver is abundant in proteins, vitamins, and adenosine, and these ingredients may increase cordycepin production and bioconversion during C. militaris fermentation. We observed that porcine liver extracts increased cordycepin production. In addition, air supply (2 h/d) significantly increased the cordycepin level in surface liquid-cultured C. militaris after 14 days. Moreover, blue light light-emitting diode irradiation (16 h/d) increased cordycepin production. These findings indicated that these conditions are suitable for increasing cordycepin production. We used these conditions to obtain water extract from the mycelia of surface liquid-cultured C. militaris (WECM) and evaluated the anti-oral cancer activity of this extract in vitro and in vivo. The results revealed that WECM inhibited the cell viability of SCC-4 oral cancer cells and arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondrial fission) were observed in SCC-4 cells treated with WECM for 12 hours. Furthermore, WECM reduced tumor formation in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis through the downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, vascular endothelial growth factor, and c-fos expression. The results indicated that porcine liver extracts irradiated with blue light light-emitting diode and supplied with air can be used as a suitable medium for the growth of mycelia and production of cordycepin, which can be used in the treatment of oral cancer.

Silver nanoparticles have lethal and sublethal adverse effects on development and longevity by inducing ROS-mediated stress responses.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in the household, medical and industrial sectors due to their effective bactericidal activities and unique plasmonic properties. Despite the promising advantages, safety concerns have been raised over the usage of AgNPs because they pose potential hazards. However, the mechanistic basis behind AgNPs toxicity, particularly the sublethal effects at the organismal level, has remained unclear. In this study, we used a powerful in vivo platform Drosophila melanogaster to explore a wide spectrum of adverse effects exerted by dietary AgNPs at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels. Lethal doses of dietary AgNPs caused developmental delays and profound lethality in developing animals and young adults. In contrast, exposure to sublethal doses, while not deadly to developing animals, shortened the adult lifespan and compromised their tolerance to oxidative stress. Importantly, AgNPs mechanistically resulted in tissue-wide accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activated the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant pathway, as demonstrated by an Nrf2 activity reporter in vivo. Finally, dietary AgNPs caused a variety of ROS-mediated stress responses, including apoptosis, DNA damage, and autophagy. Altogether, our study suggests that lethal and sublethal doses of AgNPs, have acute and chronic effects, respectively, on development and longevity by inducing ROS-mediated stress responses.

Black garlic: A critical review of its production, bioactivity, and application.

Black garlic is obtained from fresh garlic (Allium sativum L.) that has been fermented for a period of time at a controlled high temperature (60-90°C) under controlled high humidity (80-90%). When compared with fresh garlic, black garlic does not release a strong offensive flavor owing to the reduced content of allicin. Enhanced bioactivity of black garlic compared with that of fresh garlic is attributed to its changes in physicochemical properties. Studies concerning the fundamental findings of black garlic, such as its production, bioactivity, and applications, have thus been conducted. Several types of black garlic products are also available in the market with a fair selling volume. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge of changes in the components, bioactivity, production, and applications of black garlic, as well as the proposed future prospects on their possible applications as a functional food product.

Arsenic trioxide suppresses liver X receptor ß and enhances cholesteryl ester transfer protein expression without affecting the liver X receptor α in HepG2 cells.

Chronic arsenic exposure is associated with cerebrovascular disease and the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Our previous study demonstrated that arsenic trioxide (ATO) exposure was associated with atherosclerotic lesion formation through alterations in lipid metabolism in the reverse cholesterol transport process. In mouse livers, the expression of the liver X receptor ß (LXR-ß) and the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) was suppressed without any changes to the lipid profile. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether ATO contributes to atherosclerotic lesions by suppressing LXR-ß and CETP levels in hepatocytes. HepG2 cells, human hepatocytes, were exposed to different ATO concentrations in vitro. Cell viability was determined by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay. The liver X receptor α (LXR-α), LXR-ß, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and CETP protein levels were measured by Western blotting, and their mRNA levels were measured by real-time PCR. Cholesterol efflux was analyzed by flow cytometry. The results showed ATO inhibited LXR-ß mRNA and protein levels with a subsequent decrease in SREBP-1c protein levels and reduced cholesterol efflux from HepG2 cells into the extracellular space without influencing LXR-α mRNA and protein levels. CETP protein levels of HepG2 cells were significantly elevated under arsenic exposure. Transfection of LXR-ß shRNA did not change CETP protein levels, implying that there is no cross-talk between LXR-ß and CETP. In conclusion, arsenic not only inhibits LXR-ß and SREBP-1c mRNA and protein levels but also independently increases CETP protein levels in HepG2 cells.

Isolation and identification of cellulose-producing strain Komagataeibacter intermedius from fermented fruit juice.

A bacterial cellulose (BC) producing strain isolated from fermented fruit juice was identified as Komagataeibacter intermedius (K. intermedius) FST213-1 by 16s rDNA sequencing analysis and biochemical characteristics test. K. intermedius FST213-1 can produce BC within pH 4-9 and exhibit maximum BC production (1.2g/L) at pH 8 in short-term (4-day) cultivation. Results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, water content, thermogravimetric analysis and mechanical property indicated that BC produced from K. intermedius FST213-1 exhibits higher water content ability (99.5%), lower thermostability (315°C), lower crystallinity (79.3%) and similar mechanical properties in comparison with the specimen from model BC producer, Gluconacetobacter xylinus 23769. Based on these analyses, the novel based-resistant strain K. intermedius FST213-1 can efficiently produce BC, which can be applied for industrial manufacturing with potential features.

Anti-Cancer Activity of Solanum nigrum (AESN) through Suppression of Mitochondrial Function and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Breast Cancer Cells.

Chemotherapy is the main approach for treating advanced and recurrent carcinoma, but the clinical performance of chemotherapy is limited by relatively low response rates, drug resistance, and adverse effects that severely affect the quality of life of patients. An association between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and chemotherapy resistance has been investigated in recent studies. Our recent studies have found that the aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum (AESN) is a crucial ingredient in some traditional Chinese medicine formulas for treating various types of cancer patients and exhibits antitumor effects. We evaluated the suppression of EMT in MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with AESN. The mitochondrial morphology was investigated using Mitotracker Deep-Red FM stain. Our results indicated that AESN markedly inhibited cell viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells through apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest mediated by activation of caspase-3 and production of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, mitochondrial fission was observed in MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with AESN. In addition to elevation of E-cadherin, downregulations of ZEB1, N-cadherin, and vimentin were found in AESN-treated MCF-7 breast cancer cells. These results suggested that AESN could inhibit EMT of MCF-7 breast cancer cells mediated by attenuation of mitochondrial function. AESN could be potentially beneficial in treating breast cancer cells, and may be of interest for future studies in developing integrative cancer therapy against proliferation, metastasis, and migration of breast cancer cells.

Effects of different forages on the chemical compositions and antiosteoporotic activities of velvet antlers.

For this study, we aimed to assess the dose-response antiosteoporotic effects of the middle section of velvet antlers (VAs) from sika deers (Cervus nippon) fed with different types of fodders. VAs prepared from farmed sika deers fed with feed mixtures containing sorghum distillery residue (VA-SDR) or without SDR (SDR replaced with hay, VA-Hay) were divided into upper (VAU), middle (VAM) and basal (VAB) sections. The chemical constituents of the middle sections obtained from each VA type were compared, and their antiosteoporotic activities were evaluated using rats with ovaries removed surgically (ovariectomy, OVX). The VA-Hay exhibited markedly increased iron and cysteine levels, whereas the VA-SDR exhibited markedly increased level of alcoholic extract and testosterone. Both VA-Hay- and VA-SDR-treated rats exhibited increased femur strength compared with the control group. However, VA-SDR exhibited greater bone-strengthening effects than did VA-Hay. The serum osteocalcin and estradiol levels were significantly moderated in the VA-Hay group alone. These results suggest that VA-SDR and VA-Hay prevent the loss of bone strength, and preserve trabecular architecture connectivity in an estrogen-deficient state. However, differences in the chemical compositions of different forages may be responsible for the varying antiosteoporotic mechanisms observed. Thus, the addition of SDR in deer forage may enhance antiosteoporosis activity in VAs, and confer considerable economic and ecological benefits.

Omega-3 fatty acid obtained from Nannochloropsis oceanica cultures grown under low urea protect against Abeta-induced neural damage.

Amyloid-beta (Abeta) protein is a key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, it has been reported that oxidative stress is involved in the biochemical pathway by which Abeta can lead to neuronal dysfunction. Recently, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n-3) have been reported to protect against AD. However, these omega-3 fatty acids are frequently obtained from fish oil and may contain heavy metals. In this study, we utilized Nannochloropsis oceanica to produce omega-3 fatty acid. We observed that when urea levels (nitrogen source) were lowered from 2 to 0.2 g/L in Nannochloropsis oceanica cultures, EPA production increased. Moreover, EPA in Nannochloropsis oceanica effectively promoted antioxidant activity to counter the Abeta-induced oxidative stress in Neuro-2A cells. These results indicate that Nannochloropsis oceanica may be potentially used as a therapeutic agent or as a functional food that promotes protection against AD.

Antioxidation and antiglycation of Fagopyrum tataricum ethanol extract.

Fagopyrum tataricum is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of 75 % ethanol extract of buckwheat (EEB) and rutin on carbohydrate-metabolized enzymes, including α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which are related to hyperglycemia. The rutin dosage (40 µg/mL) was equivalent to that of EEB (200 µg/mL). In addition, the antioxidant and antiglycation activities of EEB and rutin were investigated. Results showed that both EEB and rutin exerted free radical (DPPH and ABTS) scavenging activity. They also attenuated protein glycation to lower the generation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) through the suppression of fructosamine and α-dicarbonyl compounds. Moreover, EEB and rutin also inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity. Taken together, these findings suggest that EEB and rutin may reduce oxidative stress, AGEs formation, and carbohydrate-metabolized enzymes hence EEB may use as protection agent in diabetic patients.

The promoter of the white spot syndrome virus immediate-early gene WSSV108 is activated by the cellular KLF transcription factor.

A series of deletion and mutation assays of the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) immediate-early gene WSSV108 promoter showed that a Krüppel-like factor (KLF) binding site located from -504 to -495 (relative to the transcription start site) is important for the overall level of WSSV108 promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays further showed that overexpressed recombinant Penaeus monodon KLF (rPmKLF) formed a specific protein-DNA complex with the (32)P-labeled KLF binding site of the WSSV108 promoter, and that higher levels of Litopenaeus vannamei KLF (LvKLF) were expressed in WSSV-infected shrimp. A transactivation assay indicated that the WSSV108 promoter was strongly activated by rPmKLF in a dose-dependent manner. Lastly, we found that specific silencing of LvKLF expression in vivo by dsRNA injection dramatically reduced both WSSV108 expression and WSSV replication. We conclude that shrimp KLF is important for WSSV genome replication and gene expression, and that it binds to the WSSV108 promoter to enhance the expression of this immediate-early gene.

Phosphatase and tensin homolog overexpression decreases proliferation and invasion and increases apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a potent tumor suppressor which regulates various cellular functions. The aim of the present study was to analyze the function of PTEN gene expression in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells. This gene exhibits a unique function in cell migration and proliferation during the early stages of embryonic development. However, its role as a tumor suppressor gene in tongue squamous carcinoma cells remains unclear. In the present study, an SCC-4 cell line stably expressing PTEN was established and the effects of PTEN gene expression on SCC-4 cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis were investigated. PTEN expression was found to induce apoptosis in SCC-4 cells, possibly via negative regulation of the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway and increased expression of Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death. In addition, PTEN was found to control the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in SCC cells, thereby reducing their invasive ability. Furthermore, Transwell assay revealed that the expression of E-cadherin was increased, while the expression of vimentin and SNAIL was decreased. This study has provided an important insight into the mechanisms by which PTEN mediates the progression and early metastasis of tongue carcinoma.